President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda has warned members of parliament investigating the country's digital number plates project against producing inaccurate reports. The warning was given during a State House meeting last Thursday, where legislators raised concerns about the project's rising costs, technical capabilities, and contractual arrangements with Russian firm Joint Stock Company Global Security (JSCGS).
The meeting was held amid revelations that the project's estimated contract value had increased, raising questions about the additional financial obligations and the system's ability to deliver its intended security benefits. According to the permanent secretary in the Office of the President, Yunus Kakande, Museveni recognized parliament's oversight role but cautioned legislators against reaching conclusions without adequately engaging the technical teams implementing the project.
The parliamentary investigation, led by the Physical Infrastructure Committee chaired by Mbarara City South MP Mwine Mpaka, has examined allegations of shortcomings in the vehicle-tracking technology. During parliamentary proceedings, former Works minister Gen Katumba Wamala defended the project as an essential security intervention, while former Internal Affairs minister Gen Kahinda Otafiire questioned its effectiveness.
Kakande dismissed suggestions that Museveni had been deceived into approving the Russian-backed technology. He stated that Museveni had been presented with the technology by the Russian firm and had been convinced of its potential to apprehend criminals. The digital number plates initiative followed Museveni's 2018 directive to strengthen vehicle identification and tracking after a series of high-profile assassinations, including the killing of Arua Municipality MP Ibrahim Abiriga.
The government subsequently entered into an agreement with JSCGS in 2021 to implement the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS). Motorists currently pay Shs 714,300 for a digital number plate kit for newly registered vehicles and motorcycles, while replacing conventional plates costs Shs 150,000 for vehicles and Shs 50,000 for motorcycles.
Kakande insisted that the technology was already operational, although some components required improvement. He stated that the system was working well and could retrieve any vehicle anywhere in the country. The primary objective of the project was security, and Kakande confirmed that the system was delivering on this goal.
The government is reviewing the project's financial model, particularly the proposed revenue-sharing arrangement between the Russian contractor and the Ugandan government. Museveni has directed the formation of three teams, comprising representatives of the Russian company, government technical officials, and parliamentarians, to address outstanding issues and streamline the project's implementation.
Key points
- President Museveni warns MPs against producing inaccurate reports on the digital number plates project.
- The project's estimated contract value has increased, raising concerns about financial obligations and security benefits.
- The government is reviewing the project's financial model and revenue-sharing arrangement with the Russian contractor.
